Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

Over dinner, a mother explained the health benefits of a colorful meal to her family. “The more colors, the more variety of nutrients,” she told them. Pointing to the food, she asked, “How many different colors do you see?”

“Six,” said her daughter. “Seven if you count the burned parts.”

Life is a lot like that plate of food.  It’s filled with bright colors that we enjoy and celebrate — blessings, answered prayers, friendships, and happy moments.  But sprinkled among them are the “burned parts” — times when plans fall apart, people let us down, and life disappoints us.

Most of us prefer to focus on the colorful blessings and push the burned bits to the edge of the plate.  But Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love him.  Not just the nice, easy parts, but the unpleasant ones, too.  Those burned spots may not be pleasant in the moment, but they often teach us important lessons like patience, humility, and a trust in God.

Think about Joseph in the Old Testament. His life had plenty of bright colors: his father’s love and his eventual rise to power.  But it also had some badly burned edges: betrayal by his brothers, false accusations, and years in prison.  In the end, Joseph could look back and say to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20 NIV).

Gratitude in all circumstances doesn’t mean we pretend the hard times are fun or easy.  It means recognizing that they have a purpose in God’s plan for us.

So, the next time your day feels a little burned around the edges, ask yourself, “What might God be trying to teach me?”  Maybe compassion for someone else’s struggle. Maybe a reminder to slow down.  Maybe building strength for a challenge you haven’t faced yet.

We can give thanks for the whole plate — bright colors, burned edges, and all — because God is using every part for our good.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the bright blessings in my life, and for the times that feel burned around the edges.  Help me trust that you can use every part of my life for good.  Give me a thankful heart in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day